The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in First Silver Lake, near the town of Battle Lake in Otter Tail County; and Heilberger Lake, near Erhard in Otter Tail County.

A First Silver Lake user brought two zebra mussels to a DNR office and provided details on the location where they were found. A DNR invasive species specialist found two zebra mussels on the public water access boat ramp, about three-quarters of a mile from the location of the initial report.

A lake property owner contacted the DNR after finding three zebra mussels attached to a native mussel in Heilberger Lake. A DNR invasive species specialist found five zebra mussels on the public water access boat ramp, about a quarter-mile from the location of the initial report.

While zebra mussels and other invasive species can be introduced to a lake via private docks and accesses, public accesses are typically the first to be surveyed for invasive species.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:

• Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website.

• Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).

• Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.